Euro Watch

Cyprus is still a divided island, however the Greek and Turkish leaders of the island have agreed to a series of meetings, set in three months times, to discuss paths to unification, which has held Turkey back from being accepted into European Union.

In a sign of peace, both the Greek leader of Cyprus, Demetris Christofias, and the Turkish leader of Cyprus, Mehmet Ail Talat, have agreed to un-blockade Ledra Street in Nicosia, which has long been a symbolic, as well as physical, depiction of the division.

The U.N. hosted the first meeting between the Cypriot leaders, at a U.N. controlled part of Nicosia, the capital, and have been the ones to make the announcement regarding the scheduled talks and the reopening of Ledra Street

Last month, Christofias was elected to the presidency of the island, which has renewed hopes for unification talks to be established again. In 2004 Greek Cypriots voted against a plan brought by the U.N. for the reunification of Cyprus.

At this stage, tensions are mounting as analysts are predicting these scheduled meetings to be the final chance for clearing the division. Politicians are also concerned as they do not want to see yet another standoff between the communities, as it would have strong negative repercussions for Turkey in their bid to join the E.U.

Cyprus has been divided between Greek and Turkish communities since an invasion by the latter in 1974, which was was a counter to a mainly Greek coup.

The last attempt for unification was in 2004 when a plan was put forth by the U.N., which was accepted by Turkish Cypriots, but rejected by Greek Cypriots who shortly after joined the E.U. by themselves.

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